Q & A with Glamazon - TIPS

Q. How do u take care of fallen eyeshadow on the face, do you put powder?

 A. place a generous amount of translucent powder underneath the eyes to "catch" the excess eyeshadow..when eyeshadow is complete, simply brush away the translucent powder, and the excess should follow! if it doesn't, than you didn't put enough powder!

TEN TIPS TO RECESSION PROOF YOUR MAKEUP CAREER

Found this on the Powder Group blog! Feel free to comment and pass around!

TEN TIPS TO RECESSION PROOF YOUR MAKEUP CAREER
It's not getting any easier out there. Competition is growing, the economy is in a tailspin and you are stuck with the results of poor fiscal planning on the part of people you'll never meet and likely couldn't care to. How will you be sure that you can make the most of your career now, and be sure to keep it growing as things turn around in the economy? The Powder Group offers these ten tips on securing the future of your career. These tips brought to you by the artists of The Powder Group and The Artist Summit.

TIP ONE: *MEET MORE INDUSTRY LEADERS
Knowing the people who make the industry move is a our number one way to ensure you get the work that you want - when you want it. But knowing them is just a part of the task - they must know you! Meet the cosmetics company owners and executives that you need to know, the agents and union artists that can hire and get you work and the pros who can bring you onboard their artist teams.

TIP TWO: *KNOW THINGS THAT OTHER MAKEUP ARTISTS DON'T
One of the most sure-fire ways to be the first makeup artist people think of when hiring talent is to be the one they are certain knows the job best. Whether you use every skill in your repertoire on every job - understanding the implications of Hi-Def, how to create a realistic bruise, when airbrushing is the best option, or how photography effects the direction of your makeup application - will make you the expert that clients will hire every time.

TIP THREE: *MAXIMIZE YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE
Nearly every search for new talent starts out online. Whether you are with an agency or out there on your own. Regardless of whether your specialty is bridal, film, catalogue or FX, the first thing most people know about you is what you tell them through your online presence. Maximize online networks like Linkedin, Myspace, Youtube, and Facebook, and back it all up with a great website, amazing images and an online promotional campaign. Finally, maximize your search engine results to ensure that you get noticed.

TIP FOUR: *DEVELOP AND USE PHOTOS THAT MAKE YOU SALEABLE
Once you have their attention, blow your prospective clients away with your work. Understand how to create a great image by understanding the camera, and the clients perception of who you are and what you can do for them through a collection of great images. Learn how to edit down your images to make the most impact - and not throw your image off by including work that doesn't say "hire me!" Know what will sell and how to test or get the jobs that will give you the images to help sell your work.

TIP FIVE: *FINE TUNE YOUR TECHNIQUE AND MAKE YOUR WORK UNIQUE
Even the greatest makeup artists need to update and learn a new tip here and there, and find new products and tools to help to help separate them from the pack. Being able to do beautiful makeup is not enough in a marketplace with increasing competition and shrinking budgets. Know the techniques, tools and products that will help you detail your work in a way that tells your clients you are passionate about your craft and that you care about the results of the work enough to pay attention to the finer points of makeup artistry.

TIP SIX: *DEVELOP YOUR ARTIST NETWORK
It's a simple equation - the more other makeup artists you know - the more work you will get. Sounds crazy? It's not. You are not alone - there is strength in numbers. Even if you could do every job that comes your way - maximizing your relationships with your peers will ensure that you get referrals and assisting jobs, and that you can find a strong backup when you need one. Keep the work close to home by developing a network of like-minded creative types, (including hairstlylists and photographers!) who can help to strengthen your client base and ensure that you and your crew are the first people your clients think about when looking for talent.

TIP SEVEN: *BECOME CREATIVELY INSPIRED
There is no doubt about it - boredom with your craft shows through to the final product and to your clients. It shows in the way you promote yourself, it shows in the way you produce your work. Whether you are doing makeup in a salon, at a retail counter or for film, theater or the red carpet - be sure that you are staying creatively inspired and bring the excitement of that inspiration into your work every day. You will grow faster, direct your career more steadily and work as often as you want to, if your clients know that you love what you do everyday.

TIP EIGHT: *LEARN HOW THE BEST GOT THERE
What better way to create a sustainable, impactful and satisfying career than to ask the people who have done it already how they did it. It doesn't matter if you are in the same field of makeup artistry - artistic integrity and a long lasting career cross over to every part of the career of the makeup artist. Get in front of the most talented artists in the industry, hear their story, apply their passion and insight to your own career and watch your own business grow and last.

TIP NINE: *SHOWCASE YOUR WORK AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE
The most amazing makeup artist in the world can't get hired if no one knows that they exist and they don't show anyone the work that they can do. Become an active part of the community of makeup artists and clients that hire them. Develop the strongest means by which to show off your work, and go to where the community is. Get your comp card out there, drive traffic to your website or agency, show the makeup artist world what you've got to offer and make yourself known to potential clients and network peers.

TIP TEN: *BECOME A BRAND THAT CLIENTS KNOW AND REMEMBER
Remember that makeup artist who you met a while back at that trade show? Right - neither does anyone else because they didn't have an image, a business card, or a story about their personal brand that stuck with you (or their potential clients). Ensure that you are remembered and though of first by the entire industry by creating a brand that is memorable, makes you stand out and clearly defines who you are as a makeup artist. It starts with a great personality that connects you to people, continues on with a strong business card and website, and keeps going until the job is done and you have followed up and gotten the next job. Is your brand is as strong and relevant to your industry as a certain coffee shop or or discount retailer with a big red dot in the middle of their logo? Get the work by making it so.

But that's alot to do - and you don't have all that much time. So might we humbly suggest that you check out *The Artist Summit in NYC on October 12 and 13 and keep your eyes out for The Artist Summit Miami, Los Angeles and Toronto coming in Spring 2009! www.theartistsummit.com

Pro Cosmetic Makeup Artist Discount Programs

  This is a working list of Cosmetic Companies that extend Discount to Professional Makeup Artists. This list will be constantly changing and added to as information is Provided. If you know of any pls Let me know :)

Especially if you had any Great/Bad experiences with any..

BeneFit Cosmetics – http://www.benefit.com/ - 20% Mail or fax copy of license and contact information to BeneFit Cosmetics re: makeup artist progam 685 Market St. 7th floor San Francisco, CA 94105 fax: 415-781-3903

Bobbi Brown – http://www.bobbibrown.com/ - 40% New York (Barney’s) and Los Angeles only

Cinema Secrets - 818-846-0579, call for info on how to sign up, 10% discount

Evie Evan- 10% Email evieevanpro@evieevan.com for credentials verification

Face Atelier – http://www.faceatelier.com/proartists- Preferred Pro Program, no membership fee, apply online, 40% discount

Laura Mercier – http://www.lauramercier.com/ Contact Anne Rogers for specific requirements at 888-637-2437, fax 281-275-7059

Lorac – http://www.loraccosmetics.com/ - 40% discount Provide union card, resume, certification - Discount applicable to mail order only 800-845-0705, fax 818-678-3930

MAC – http://www.macpro.com/templates/user/enrollment.tmpl- MAC Pro Membership, $35 annual membership fee, 20-40% discount depending on field of work, special invites to pro events & classes

Make Up For Ever – http://www.makeupforever.com/professionnel_00_en.html - Industrial Discount Card, Contact NY Boutique to e-mail application @ 212-941-9337, no membership fee, 20% - 35% discount

MUD- 40% MUDshop brand 15% Non-branded

Nars – 30% Send agency and/or business card, resume, tear sheets or call sheets (originals) and completed application form to: NARS Cosmetics 580 Cosmetics 580 Broadway, 8th Floor New York, NY 10012 Attn: Makeup Artist Discount Program

Nixie – http://www.nixiecosmetics.com/artists/artists.asp- Pro Card Membership, no membership fee, 40% discount, opportunity to get commission from referred sales (30%), welcome gratis – 6 pan refillable eyeshadow palette w/6 eyeshadows (limited time only)

Origins 40% For skin care 20% Bath & Body Return application along with tearsheets, business card and proof of certification to: Origins Global Communications 767 Fifth Ave, 42nd Fl. New York, NY 10153

Paula Dorf – http://www.pauladorf.com/ - 888-472-8523, call for info on how to sign up, 40% discount

Philosophy – http://www.philosophy.com/web/store/Cus … ab=std_alp - Coloring Club, no membership fee, 25% discount off skincare & color cosmetics only, plus welcome gratis

Ricky’s (If you’re in NY, South Beach)- inquire about their “Friend’s with Benefits” Program

Shiseido 30% http://www.sca.shiseido.com/index.cfm?select=contact email:makeupartists@sca.shiseido.com

Shu Uemura – 30% Contact shu uemura professional discount service 917-606-9530 for applications and a list of required documents

Smashbox – 40% One of the following required: Agency card with photo id, professional tear sheet with your name on it with photo id, Valid union card with photo id or Two of the following: Professional agency letter of reference with business card & photo id, crew call list with press material & photo id, calid makeup artist certificate (within the last 5 years) & photo id, once approved a professional discount authorization letter will be issued; place an order by calling 888-763-1361 fax: 310-558-1491

Stila – 40% Mail 2 credentials (bus. card, license, etc) plus a copy of a photo ID along with address & phone number to: Stila Cosmetics, Inc. Corporate Headquarters 2801 Hyperion Avenue #102 Los Angeles, CA 90027

Sue Devitt Studio – email: thestudio@suedevittstudio.com, re: MUA/Pro Discount, 888-870-1150, 40% discount

Temptu – http://www.temptu.com/ – Professional Discount, Contact NY store to email application & requirements @ 212-675-4000, no membership fee, 10% discount on training, equipment & package deals, & 20% discount on all makeup, body art products & stencils

Three Custom Colors – email: discount@threecustom.com, re: Professional Discount Program, 30% discount

Trish McEvoy 40% Makeup 25% Brushes & Tools - Three forms of ID are required: Comp card, Tear sheet, Agency representation card, Union card and business cards that state profession are acceptable

Trucco (Sebastian) - http://www.sebastian-intl.com/trucco_index.php, 800-935-5273, 50% discount (only in the store)

Urban Decay – http://www.urbandecay.com/, Makeup Artist Program, Contact: Rachael Rosenthal – Director of Customer Service & E-Commerce, currently working to put official program in place, but can receive a one-time 20% discount with issued code upon approval.

Vincent Longo - https://boutique.vincentlongo.com/User/ - MUA discount, no membership fee, check MUA box when you register online & they email you further criteria, 30% discount


Naimie's Beauty Supply www.naimies.com offers a 40% discount on Cover FX according to Pro FX Director Wanda Longo. You may want to inquire within just to be sure.

NYX:
http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/MPages/cosmodiscount.htm

Michael Angelo: 10 tips to Pamper Your Colored Hair

I don’t know about you, but I color and highlight my hair. And trying to stretch my dollar as much as I can, maintaining the color for as long as possible is super important to me. Michael Angelo, certified haircolorist and owner of The Michael Angelo Hair Studio and The Michael Angelo Masterpiece Haircare product line, is an expert in advanced haircoloring techniques and fashion forward hairstyles. Known by many within the professional beauty industry as “The Haircolor Guru”, Michael Angelo has pioneered the art of turning haircolor into visual works of art. Michael Angelo knows the importance of properly handling your color-treated hair in between salon visits.

He has provided ten essential tips to pamper your color treated hair, restoring shine and manageability: 

• Tip 1: Trim your hair every four to six weeks to remove split ends and to help make your hair more manageable. A great haircut is the best foundation for keeping your hair healthy and looking its best.
  
• Tip 2: Use a shampoo specifically formulated for haircolor treated hair. If you must wash your hair every day, shampoo only once. When you shampoo, avoid tugging your hair and wash gently. Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of shampoo. This professional haircolor safe shampoo gently cleanses, restoring your hairs essential nutrients and natural beauty.
  
• Tip 3: Use a conditioner formulated specifically for color-treated hair and apply it to your hair every time you shampoo. It is best to apply an additional amount to the ends of your hair and to rinse thoroughly to remove all traces and minimize any film that can hide your natural shine.
  
• Tip 4: Invest in a special micro-fiber towel that removes excess moisture from your hair after you shampoo and condition. These towels absorb more moisture than regular bath towels and can cut down on drying time. Once your hair is towel dried, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair. Wide tooth combs are less likely to cause split ends and breakage.
  
• Tip 5: After you towel dry your hair, allow your hair to minimally air dry prior to blow drying. The more heat you apply to your hair, the more damage you can inflict to the cuticle.
  
• Tip 6: Avoid curling irons, hot rollers and flat irons as much as possible. It is best to style your hair with a brush and a blow dryer. When you do opt for styling your hair with heat activated appliances, always apply a protective hairstyling aid directly on your hair to keep moisture locked in.
  
• Tip 7: If you do apply styling products like a mousse, styling gel or hair spray, apply them sparingly. Many of these hairstyling products contain drying chemicals that can dull the haircolor and shine.
  
• Tip 8: Avoid chlorine. If you do swim, thoroughly wash the chorine out of your hair immediately with a special haircolor safe clarifying shampoo.
  
• Tip 9: Try to avoid excessive sun exposure to your color-treated hair. UV and UVB rays from the sun and indoor tanning beds and booths can leave your hair looking look less vibrant and lacking shine. If you are a sunbather, it is best to help protect your haircolor with products that contain UV ray protection.
  
• Tip 10: Always take the time to consult with your professional haircolorist prior to receiving your haircolor treatments. Ask questions on the best way to maintain your haircolor in between salon visits and haircoloring services. Ask about future haircolor options.

Hair 101- Liquid or Cream Color?

Being a Cosmetologist I always feel its important that my clients are fully aware of the "lingo" we use. Its better to be informed than to fall in the lap of a stylist who is more concerned about what you have in your pocket than making sure your hair is healthy!

Professional color is manufactured in cream and liquid forms. Each type of color has its own specific benefits.

Cream Color:  The cream form of hair color is normally packaged in a tube. It may also contain conditioners and thickeners. Since cream color tends to stick to the hair shaft  and doesn't run off, its great for covering white/gray hair. But if you use cream color on bleached hair you are not guaranteed a even color results.... 

Liquid Color: Liquid Hair color provides better penetration of the hair shaft than cream color. Liquid is used on non-dyed hair and on bleached hair. The downfall to liquid HC is that its not able to saturate resistant White /gray hair and is terrible on pale shades of hair.

Glamazonian Transformation Egyptian Couture

Say Hola to Michy, I've known this girl since she was a Infant and now she is 17 years old. I felt it was time to give her a Over the Top couture look something she would never let me do on a everyday basis... So I transformed her in a Modern Egyptian with a Hint of Gaga Couture

Before

After

 Check out the entire Shoot Here In the Photo Section 

10 Color Camouflage Concealer Palette Review

I am currently a working makeup artist who knows the deep desperation of trying to get your set kit completely stocked on a budget. Concealers can get very expensive when you are trying to buy all the shades that you may need for your clients.

When I was at a Photo Shoot one day me and a fellow artist was talking about new products that can help us build a better more efficient kit and see showed me her Sedona Lace 10 Color Camouflage Concealer Palette. At just $15.99 can you imagine the money you are saving!
Ofcourse I was shocked when I saw the great sized palette with all the colors you would ever need and even more shocked when she told me the price. Immediately I told her to order me one...

After a month of me using it I was sold. As a makeup artist I have a saying that " A good Makeup Artist Uses a Product because of its quality and not its name i.e its mac so its professional"

All the colors are uber creamy, come in warm and cool tones and can easily be blended together to color match your client perfectly. They are a great size, you get more than enough product. I have mine now about 4 months and I still have not touched pan yet.

This palette is a Must have for Makeup enthusiast anywhere. Thx Sedona for making my Clients and pocket Happy

Tips for Breaking into the Wedding Industry

There's a couple ways you can break into doing wedding makeup.

1-Reach out to friends & family, letting them know that you're a makeup artist, but most of all, if they know anyone that's engaged, to gently ask for referrals. Offer to do a complimentary makeup demo, if you don't feel comfortable charging for those services yet.

1a-Another creative way to get the word out is to look up your engaged friends on Facebook and reach out to them personally!

2-If you're a certified makeup artist or cosmetologist, reach out to the salons in your area. Offer to do a 2-week trial or "audition" so you can show your makeup skills.

2a-Another method is reaching out to experienced wedding makeup artists and offering to assist them for free. You would be their assistant--offer whatever help they may need, such as cleaning brushes, helping set up on site, etc.

3-If your pockets are deep enough, sign up to do a few wedding shows in your area. That is the best way to jumpstart your wedding makeup business, since you will be provided a list of brides to follow up with. Good makeup skills are not enough to cultivate a bridal clientele, you should also have good salesmanship skills--such as following up, making phone calls, and being aggressive. After these expos, brides get a deluge of solicitation calls from vendors, so you might have to reach out up to 6x just to get an appointment (unless they say no).

4-Again, if you have the money, I'd recommend signing up with MG Hair & Makeup. Megan Garmers runs an agency exclusively for wedding makeup artists & hairstylists. You set up an interview and pay into the classes - www.mghairandmakeup.com/Careers_Classes_1.html. Also, she runs the bridal beauty artists network, which is a more affordable option, if you're already trained in hair/makeup (http://www.bridalbeau....

5-After every successful appointment (wedding-related or not), remember to collect testimonials! It can be either typed or video-recorded (preferred). As you collect testimonials, people will know the quality of service you give your clients, and you're able to show them to the brides you have trial appointments. Also, offer an incentive for existing clients to refer your services, such as a free gift or complimentary service.